FMQs: Greens call for government action to tackle broken energy market
The Scottish Government must take action to deliver the overdue Heat in Buildings Bill to tackle the climate crisis and reduce bills, says Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie.
In his first question to the First Minister, Mr Harvie said:
“In April, energy bills are set to rise for the third time in less than a year.
“People across Scotland are worrying about those bills, and at the same time energy companies are raking in vast profits at the expense of people and the planet.
“Our energy markets are broken. No doubt we could both say what we think the UK government should do to fix those markets, but the Scottish Government has also promised action which hasn’t happened.
“My last question to the FM was nearly three months ago. I asked him about his promise of a new law to end our reliance on gas for home heating - which is vital to tackling the climate emergency, and cutting people’s bills too.
“It was already overdue, without explanation, back in December. Now here we are in March; there’s still no legislation, and no explanation. Where is it?”
In his response the First Minister agreed with the principles of the Bill but did not confirm a timeline for its publication.
Asking his second question, Mr Harvie said:
“The government was already considering the consultation a year ago. The real concern is that they have been spending that time watering it down. That’s the fear that I have and that the industry has.
“The reality is that Scotland is already behind many other European countries on this. France and Germany have been accelerating their action dramatically in recent years. Scandinavian countries are decades ahead of us.
“The only way to catch up, and to give Scottish households the benefit of affordable, reliable heat and cutting the pollution that is destroying our environment, is for the government to act decisively and show clear leadership.
“But just as the Scottish Government has slowed down on other green measures, by hiking rail fares and watering down rent controls, progress on clean heat has stalled.
“Will the FM commit now to get this overdue legislation published this month, to give the clarity and leadership that has been lacking?”